# play down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.

## Examples

- The company tried to play down the recent technical problems.
- The manager attempted to play down the severity of the budget cuts during the staff meeting.
- Despite the mounting evidence of a systemic failure, the spokesperson continued to play down the risks to the public.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.